Obsidian Flame (The World of Ascension #5)

by Caris Roane

A little bit of background first, if you're new to the World of Ascension series. The series revolves around a group of elite warriors, the Warriors of the Blood, who are vampires. With wings. Yep, that's right. Stay with me, now--they're pretty cool. They keep Mortal Earth safe from death vampires. Mortal Earth, you ask? You see, there are dimensional worlds, and the Warriors of the Blood have ascended to Second Earth. There is a nasty war going on for both Mortal Earth and Second Earth, and the Warriors of the Blood are on the front lines. Recently, the Warriors have been finding their mythical brehs, or soul mates. These brehs have powers of their own, and are completing the warriors and joining forces with them.

Got all that?

And now for Obsidian Flame.

Marguerite is a seer who was locked up in a convent for one hundred years. Thorne, the leader of the Warriors of the Blood, was her secret lover for all that time. When she was freed in the last book, Born of Ashes, she wanted nothing more than her freedom and she fled to Mortal Earth to live large. When Obsidian Flame opens, she's picking up a man in a bar even though she knows that Thorne is her breh. Thorne has taken a leave of absence from the Warriors of the Blood to guard her, and is forced to watch.

Soon Marguerite has a vision and they both end up in a secret seer enclave on Mortal Earth that is under attack by death vampires. Eventually their paths lead back to Second Earth and the war against the villain in the series, Commander Greaves.

~~~~~

I had been looking forward to Thorne's story since the first book, Ascension. What a tortured hero he'd been in every book! I couldn't wait for him to be happy! So, when Marguerite virtually cheated on him in the beginning of Obsidian Flame I didn't think I could forgive her. I'm still not sure I've forgiven her. Frankly, I got tired of her whining about wanting to sleep with lots of men. My Thorne deserved better than that. Hmph!

Anyway, Thorne had a tremendous amount of patience with her for some reason. He didn't disappoint as a sexy, strong hero with a tender side. He went through an amazing transformation in this book, one that changes the course of his life and of the entire series. He makes the entire book worth reading.

As usual in the Ascension series, Roane introduces upcoming story lines. In Obsidian Flame Thorne's sister, Grace, meets two men who are apparently her brehs. If Gates of Rapture is their book, it should make for some interesting reading.

If you haven't read them, the previous books in The World of Ascension are listed below. Have you read the series? What did you think? Have you read Obsidian Flame? What rating would you give it?

6. Winner will be notified by e-mail by midnight, PDT, April 30, 2012, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Winner must contact me by midnight, PDT, May 3, 2012 to claim prize. If prize is not claimed, another winner will be chosen.

7. Winner's name will be posted once prize is claimed.
8. Winner will receive a paperback copy of Enraptured by Elisabeth Naughton directly from Amazon.com. A Kindle copy may be substituted if requested.

9. I will NOT put your e-mail address on a mailing list.

The fine print: Paranormal Romance by Lisa Annesley will not be responsible for: (a) electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet, or other computer or communications-related malfunctions or failures; (b) any giveaway disruptions caused by events beyond our control or by unauthorized human intervention.

Thank you for entering! If you Follow me, you'll learn of future giveaways as soon as they're posted!

Winner!

Elva is the winner of a paperback copy of Enraptured!

Elva's name doesn't appear in the comments because she sent me her name via e-mail, under option #2.

Enraptured (Eternal Guardians #4)
by Elisabeth Naughton

Eternal Guardians are descendants of the Argonauts and elite warriors responsible for protecting the human realm. Orpheus is a descendant of Perseus, but was passed over as a Guardian in favor of his younger brother Gryphon. You see, Orpheus has a secret--he's half daemon.

Orpheus has always been a rogue, and if you've read previous books you're probably half in love with him already. But when Gryphon's soul is sent to the Underworld in the previous book, Tempted, Orpheus becomes a Guardian whether he wants to be one or not. And now his only goal in life is to rescue Gryphon from torment in the Underworld. Orpheus possesses an artifact which will help him do that.

Skyla is a Siren who has been tasked by Zeus with seducing Orpheus, stealing the artifact, and killing him. But when she meets Orpheus she realizes there is something familiar about him. When she figures out what it is, she realizes that nothing in her life is (or was) as it seems. She has to decide whose side she's on--the gods', or a daemon's.

~~~~~

Naughton caught me up in Enraptured on page one, and didn't let me go for 416 pages. Sleep? Who needs sleep when Orpheus and Skyla are up against a wall--literally and figuratively! I couldn't put my Kindle down.

Orpheus is a hero to die for. Really. You'll see. He's smokin' hot, and has a streak of honor a mile wide even though he can't see it. Skyla is his match. She's a true warrior and will not be deterred when she decides on a course of action. She's a real kick-ass heroine who also has a tender side to her. She truly completes Orpheus.

And the hanky-panky in this book was--oh my! Tastefully written yet scorching hot, there was no vanilla sex here. It was Häagen-DazsRocky Road the whole way!

I'm glad that no one watched me read this book. At times I sat there with a silly grin on my face. At the black moment I grabbed for Kleenex after Kleenex. It was a powerful book. I've added it to my favorites. Don't miss it!

If you haven't read the previous books in the Eternal Guardian series, they're listed below.

Happy Reading!

PS Love the covers, pickyme!

5/2/12 ETA: Naughton posted a snippet from Enslaved on her Facebook page. It's Gryphon and Maelea's story. Read it here.

Dire Needs (Eternal Wolf Clan #1)by Stephanie Tyler

The Eternal Wolf Clan Series is about six Dire Wolves, immortal wolf shifters who are the last of their kind. (Or are they?) The Dire Wolves are Rifter, Vice, Stray, twins Jinx & Rogue, and Harm. Each Dire Wolf has his own special ability, although in Stray's case his ability isn't known. Dire Wolves are tasked with protecting Werewolves (Weres) from human Weretrappers, and protecting humans from all wolf shifters. To complicate things, Weretrappers are aided by witches.

Got it? Hang on, we're just getting started!

Rifter is the de facto King of the Dire Wolves. Posing as a biker at this time in his life, he is looking for a woman when he walks into a bar that caters to Weres and humans. He is inexplicably drawn to Gwen, a human sitting at the bar. Gwen has had seizures her entire life and they are killing her. (I'll rant about that later.) She's there to get ... lucky. She is unusually attracted to Rifter, and they end up at her house. Before they can get to the hanky-panky, she has a seizure.

Before long, Gwen is caught up in the world of Dire Wolves, Weres, Weretrappers, and witches when an attempt is made on her life. She learns, for the first time, who her father is and what she is. She discovers the truth behind her "seizures," but she still might die within a month.

And all the while, she and Rifter are falling in love and beginning the Dire mating ritual. It's too bad the rest of the Dire Wolves want her dead. Rifter and Gwen's happiness might not survive--literally.

~~~~~

Dires and Weres and trappers and outlaws and witches--oh my! And then there is the extensive cast of characters that includes Gwen, the six Dires, the Dires' protégés Cyd and Cain, the young Were king Liam and his mate Max, outlaw Teague, master witch Seb, trapper Mars, and more. And let's not forget the gods and the Dire Elders. Whew! The world-building in this book is massive and, at times, a bit confusing. Sometimes it takes over the story.

The story itself is dark, action-packed, bloody, and suspenseful. When Tyler wasn't world-building, the book kept me turning the pages (so to speak--I read on a Kindle). I liked Rifter as the reluctant alpha among alphas who did what needed to be done. I was glad to see Gwen step up to the plate a number of times. In fact, there wasn't a character I didn't like. Tyler's Web site bills the series as a trilogy, but I hope that her contract is extended so that each Dire gets his own book. I'd love to read Liam's story, too.

And now for my rant about Gwen only having a month to live because the seizures were killing her. Doesn't work that way, folks. Seizures themselves are only fatal in the case of accidents and in a few very rare cases. Please see How Serious Are Seizures? for more information. Also, please be aware that people with uncontrolled generalized ("grand mal") seizures may not drive, like Gwen does in Dire Needs. Been there, not done that. For more information on epilepsy in general, please visit the Epilepsy Foundation. And before you say, "But Lisa, she wasn't really having seizures," what counts is that she thought she was having seizures until she found out the truth. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.

Bottom line, I think that Dire Needs is a good start to a series that I want to continue reading.

If you missed it, there was also a prequel to the series, Dire Warnings.

Have you read Dire Warning or Dire Needs? What did you think? If you haven't read them, are you interested?

Tempted by Blood (Sweetblood #3)

by Laurie London

Guardians are enforcer vampires, sworn to protect humanity against Darkbloods. Darkbloods kill their prey and deal in "sweet." Sweet is the blood of special humans and is like a drug.

Jackson Foss, a Guardian, is known as a playboy. What his colleagues don't know is that he gets extra blood and energy from the women he seduces because he's in danger of reverting to a Darkblood, which is punishable by death. One night he's fooling around and barely makes it to one of his charges, Krystal, in time to save her from Darkbloods. Krystal's cousin, Arianna Wells, is a paranormal blogger and captures the whole thing on her cell phone. Jackson wipes their memories, takes Arianna's phone, and that is that. He thinks.

Arianna's memories return and she posts the story and photos of vampires on her blog. Jackson is in trouble with the Guardians. He must wipe her memory for good, or she must die. But who will keep Krystal safe if Arianna can't remember to do so?

Soon, not only is Krystal a target of Darkbloods, but Arianna is in danger herself. Jackson is falling for her, and yet he seems to be reverting more quickly. None of them seem to have any kind of future.

~~~~~

I loved bad boy Jackson, with his colorful hair and his piercing in a very bad boy place. More than that, I loved the fact that he wanted to be normal for Arianna. He didn't want to be the persona that he projected to the world. He wanted to be himself around her. Jackson had the greater character arc in this book, and was a true hero.

Arianna was an every-day kind of heroine, and by that I mean she could have been you or me. She was an ordinary young woman (but with an extraordinary past) put into difficult circumstances who rose to the occasion. She fought for her cousin, for her blog, for sweetbloods, and for Jackson. She was admirable and selfless.

The plot was full of danger and suspense, and kept me reading. Before I go, I just have to say that I loved the HEA!

If you haven't read the previous books in the Sweetblood series, here they are:

Tiger, by Laurann Dohner

Tiger

by Laurann Dohner

Zandy Gordon is in the wrong place at the wrong time. She gets caught up in a barroom brawl and ends up at the bottom of a dog-pile of humans, unable to breath. Tiger, a genetically altered New Species male, is head of security at New Species Reservation. He and his men are called in by the local police to break up the fight. He literally saves Zandy's life.

When Zandy comes around, she thinks she's died and is going to hell in the arms of a gorgeous fallen angel. Tiger is that fallen angel. She decides that she's going to go out right, and is going to have her fallen angel. Tiger doesn't put up much resistance to her seduction, but they are interrupted. Zandy finally realizes she almost molested a New Species, and is mortified.

Weeks later, Zandy needs a job and is hired by Reservation. She hasn't been able to forget her irresistible fallen angel, but would be embarrassed to see him. Who does she run into but Tiger? He hasn't been able to forget her, either. It's not long before they are finishing what they started after the brawl. Tiger, an avowed bachelor throughout the series, is resistant to the the idea of taking a mate. Zandy, twice divorced, doesn't want to be involved in another relationship. They are drawn to each other, however.

When Justice and Jessie (from Justice) announce their mating/marriage, Zandy becomes a target for New Species hate groups. Both Zandy and Tiger end up fighting for their survival.

~~~~~

Tiger is one of the original characters of the New Species series, and a popular one among fans. I have been looking forward to his story for some time now and couldn't wait to read his book as soon as it came out. I wasn't disappointed. Tiger makes a strong, sexy, action-hero who can save my life any day, thank you very much! Zandy is a realistic heroine who makes some mistakes that get her into trouble.

The book starts out with lots of hot sex. Lots of it. In fact, I was beginning to wonder when the plot was going to start when the story finally kicked into high gear. From there on out it was one heckuva ride.

I was glad to see that Justice and Jessie finally announced their mating/marriage. I can see now why Dohner had them delay it--she was waiting to cover it in Tiger's book.

Dohner's books always play with my emotions. This one was no different. I cried at the black moment and loved that she could make me feel that way. But don't worry, the book is very satisfying. I recommend Tiger, along with the entire New Species series.

Monday, April 9, 2012

New Species Series

by Laurann Dohner

Release Date: April 10, 2012

Tiger comes out tomorrow, the newest installment in the New
Species series by Laurann Dohner. I can't wait! This series is full of suspense and is scorching hot. It's an emotional roller coaster ride. If
you haven't read it, you'll want to catch up now! Here are the books in the series, in their correct reading order. They are all available at Ellora's Cave and Amazon.

(Disclaimer: The following blurbs are from Laurann's own Web site. The ratings are mine.)

~~~~~

4.0**** Erotic Romance

Ellie
is horrified to discover the pharmaceutical company she works for is
doing illegal experiments. Company scientists have spliced human and
animal DNA, creating exotic new species. One such “experiment” captures
her heart and she’ll do anything to save him—even if he hates her for
it.

Fury
has never known compassion or love. He’s spent his life in a cell,
chained and abused by humans. The one woman he allowed himself to trust
betrayed him. Now he’s free and set on vengeance. He vows to end her
life but when she’s finally in his grasp, harming her is the last thing
he wants to do to the sexy little human.

Fury
can’t resist Ellie—the touch of her hands, her mouth on his skin, her
body wrapped around his. He’s obsessed with the scent of his woman. And
Ellie wants Fury—always has. She craves his big, powerful body and wants
to heal his desolate heart.

But loving Fury is one thing…taming him is another.

Reader Advisory: This story contains the heartrending aftermath
of a rape scene involving a captive male. Another scene involves capture
and forced touching by a hurt, vengeful Fury.

~~~~~

4.5***** Erotic Romance

Dr. Trisha
Norbit is flat on her back in a hospital bed, pinned under a really big
New Species male. Though drugged out of his mind, he promises her
ecstasy and is determined to deliver but hospital staff intervenes. 215
is a man she will never forget. But, when she meets him again at
Homeland…he doesn’t even remember her!

The nosy new
doctor wants to know all about the breeding habits between humans and
Species. Slade proposes a hands-on education but she's
not interested in a one-night stand. He can’t offer more because he's
haunted by the memory of a woman he once tried to claim. He’s shocked
when he realizes they are one and the same. He’s blown it—she'll never
give him a chance now.

But, when her
life is in danger, he's the only one who can save her. As they flee
through the wilderness, their desire ignites and cannot be denied. Hot
sex, on the run, has consequences that are even more dangerous and will
change their lives forever.

~~~~~

4.0**** Erotic Romance

Tammy has
always tried to be prepared for any calamity life might send her way but
she never imagined a sexy, lion man-beast in her future. He’s huge, got
the most exotic, golden cat-eyes she’s ever seen, and she’s so
terrified she’s speechless for the first time in her life. He’s stalking
closer, growling at her, and she’s too terrified to even flee.

Valiant
hates humans. But when he gets a whiff of the adorable human female who
has invaded his territory, he starts rethinking that. Her fear scents
of pure, sweet temptation and the closer he gets, the more appealing she
becomes. Once he’s got his hands on her, he isn’t about to let her go.
One thought will change his life. MINE!

Before
Tammy can regain her senses, she’s flat on her back in Valiant’s bed.
Now he just has to use every inch of his big, buff body to convince her
that she should stay with him forever.

~~~~~

4.5*****Erotic Romance

Justice North is the face of New Species. Seeing him up close makes Jessie's heart race. He's the ultimate alpha male--big, muscular, exotically beautiful ... and dangerous. Of course, he's off limits. But then the sexy man purrs and all bets are off.

Jessie Dupree is a mouthy, fiery human female who brings out the animal in Justice. He wants to get to know her a lot better. They go to his room to share dinner but she wants to show him how to relax. He's all for anything she wants to do but Justice has sworn to protect his people and to take a Species mate. He's torn between the woman he wants and the oath he's taken.

Jessies knows a relationship between them probably won't end well but she want to free the wildness inside Justice and spend every moment she can steal wrapped around his hot body, making him roar with passion. She's going to get her heart broken because she doesn't want it to end at all.

~~~~~

4.0**** Erotic Romance

One look at Brawn and Becca is wondering how he'd look without his clothes. Brawn is instantly attracted to Becca but has sworn never to touch a human female. They just aren't sturdy enough and he likes his sex a little rough. He is shocked to learn he'll be living with her when she refuses to leave her home. He is there to represent New Species and to learn about humans so maybe this will be a good educational experience. He just has to keep his hands off her.

His good intentions go astray when they are kidnapped and locked together inside a cage. Brawn finds himself reliving a nightmare when he is once again subjected to breeding experiments at the hands of New Species' enemies. They will use Becca to get what they want from him. Brawn will do everything he can to protect her but they only have each other to depend on while trying to survive.

~~~~~

4.0**** Erotic Romance

Wrath volunteers to live and work outside Homeland where he’ll once
again be confined in a small space with other males. He was subjected to
horrific abuse and conditioning and forced to view endless sex tapes of
human females while chained to Mercile’s perverted machines. Wrath
knows he’s too dangerous and emotionally damaged to ever be with a
female.

Lauren has just been detained by three big, buff,
well-armed men—New Species. One of them really catches her eye. He is
tall, sexy, and…her new roommate apparently. She has never met a man
this truly spectacular and she decides to taste every inch of his
amazing body. Wrath wants to explore that plan too. The sex is
incredible and he gives her everything she needs but he’ll only go so
far. Something is holding him back.

Lauren has to make him unleash his desire and Wrath has to get past his fear to give them a chance at a future together.

~~~~~

Have you read the New Species series? What did you think? Don't you love those covers? ;)

Werewolves by Elliott O'Donnell
Originally published in 1912. Werewolf lore from around Europe and Russia. Includes how to become a werewolf.
Buy it at Amazon.

The Werewolf in Lore and Legend by Montague Summers
Originally published in 1933. A Christian perspective on werewolf lore and legend around Europe and Russia.
Buy it at Amazon.

A Lycanthropy Reader: Werewolves in Western Culture by Charlotte F. Otten
Published in 1986, this is the most recent book in this collection. Otten makes the distinction between lycanthropy, the medical diagnosis, and werewolves, the mythical shape-shifters. The book is divided into medical cases; trial records, historical accounts and sightings; critical essays; myths and legends; and allegory.
Buy it at Amazon.

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About Me

Welcome to Paranormal Romance with Lisa Annesley! I'm an aspiring author writing under the name Lisa Annesley. I'm currently writing a wolf-shifter paranormal romance, usually with a cat walking across my keyboard. Some days his muse is very inspired. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America and several chapters.

I use what I've learned about writing to help with my book reviews. I also just use my plain ol' gut reactions to books. Reading is an experience that should draw us in and involve us in the story's world. The best books stay with us long after we've read The End.

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